This project aims at elucidating how cellular signaling and applied forces are coordinated to control cancer cell migration and involves technology development, cell biology, advanced microscopy, image analysis, bioinformatics, multivariate statistics and mathematical modelling. This collaborative project is coordinated by Karolinska Institutet and also includes Uppsala University and Lund University, as well as the biotech companies Sprint Bioscience and Olink Bioscience. As a member of this group, the postdoc will gain access to an established scientific network with state-of-the-art technologies and will regularly interact with PIs, postdocs and graduate students from the member groups.

Description of project and workThis postdoc project will be conducted in the research group of assistant professor Pontus Nordenfelt (nordlab.med.lu.se). Our group is interested in cell biology, microbiology and immunology, with particular emphasis on quantifying molecular mechanisms of host-pathogen interactions, but also including the cell biology of cell migration, cell-cell and cell-matrix interactions and signaling. Much of the research is centred around integrin biology and antibody function. The project will focus on development of integrin-based molecular FRET sensors for use with cell migration studies. Since integrins are involved in so many different types of surface interactions, these sensors can also be applied to other research areas, such as bacterial invasion of human cells.

The successful applicant will participate in an interdisciplinary network project supported by the Swedish Strategic Research Foundation described above. This postdoc project provides opportunities for growth and development as an independent researcher, as there will be possibilities for initiating new research directions, as mentioned above. Selected recent publications: Nordenfelt et al 2017, Nature Communications; Nordenfelt et al 2016, Nature Communications.

Arbetsuppgifter/Work dutiesYou will be supervised by assistant professor Pontus Nordenfelt and work together with postdocs, graduate students and senior scientists both within the group and within the SSF-supported network that started in September 2017 and will run for five years. You should be able to work independently, and develop alternative strategies if necessary. You should also be willing to share your knowledge with other group members and be a good team player. The position will likely include supervision of undergraduate degree projects and doctoral students. To increase your chances in a future academic career as well as contribute to the group, you are expected to actively seek external funding under the guidance of the PI.